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passion projects

B (our junior in high school) shared with us tonight that she might not want to study engineering when she goes to college. She’s more interested in studying English and creative writing – maybe be an editor and hopefully have some of her own writing published. She was worried about telling us, about disappointing us.

Her words were: “I don’t like science or math. Engineering isn’t ideal for me. Don’t worry, I still might end up in engineering because I know how beneficial it would be to have a high-paying job.”

What? Does it have to be about a high-paying job? What about dreams? What about passion and purpose? What about loving what you do?

Of course we told her that she could study anything, do anything, be anything she wanted to be. We talked about the importance of finding your passion. We talked about finding your purpose. We talked about dreams. We talked about loving what you do. We talked about hard work- no matter what.

What worries me is that B is still young. She thinks that she has to decide now, at 17, what she wants to do with the rest of her life. She has so much more to do, to see, to learn.

Why are we all in such a hurry? I realize that some kids know what they want from the start. They never waiver. But, what about the kids that don’t? Recently, we’ve begun to talk about time woven into the school day to explore, to experience, to try on hats. Genius hour. Passion projects. Did my own kids miss out on this?

Today, B is wearing the hat of a writer. B is a beautiful writer. Writing comes easy to her (unlike her mom). She has grown up as an avid reader, so it’s no wonder that she is a gifted writer. She loves to write! She wants to publish her writing! For now…it looks like B has found her passion. Hopefully, this will lead her to her purpose. (And an okay paying job? – asks her dad.)